MANHATTAN, Kan. – A
team of current and former Kansas State University faculty members and students that has driven progress in swine nutrition and management for more than three decades has been named the 2025 recipient of the Don L. Good Impact Award.
The K-State applied swine nutrition team will be recognized at the K-State Department of Animal Science and Industry’s Family & Friends Reunion on Saturday, Oct. 18 at the Stanley Stout Center in Manhattan.
The award, presented by the Livestock and Meat Industry Council Inc., is named in honor of Good, former head of K-State’s Department of Animal Sciences and Industry, to recognize positive impact on the livestock and meat industry or agriculture.
In announcing this year’s award, LMIC cited the K-State applied swine nutrition team’s longstanding impact of innovative research, industry collaboration and commitment to student development that continues to shape swine nutrition practices across the globe.
The team is currently led by Mike Tokach, Bob Goodband, Joel DeRouchey, Jason Woodworth, Jordan Gebhardt, and Katelyn Gaffield, but in actuality, it is much larger than those six.
“The K-State applied swine nutrition team encompasses current and former faculty and more than 130 graduate students who are now employed across commercial swine operations, feed and nutritional ingredient suppliers, genetic companies and academia,” said DeRouchey, a swine specialist for K-State Research and Extension.
For more than 30 years, the team has driven progress in swine nutrition and management through applied research that addresses real-world challenges. Their work in nutrient requirement modeling, feed ingredient optimization, and improved in-barn management through both university and large-scale field trials has become a cornerstone of the program to enhance efficiency and profitability for swine producers.
According to a news release from the LMIC, the team’s greatest impact has been its ability to bridge the gap between scientific research and commercial swine production. Their leadership builds on a strong foundation shaped by faculty and students whose contributions helped establish and grow the program’s reputation and reach.
Graduates of the program lead nutrition programs for 15 of the 20 largest swine production systems in the U.S. The team conducts research with four of the remaining five, meaning they maintain active relationships with 19 of the top 20 systems nationwide. Their influence helps develop students in the classroom and through research to decision-making careers across the industry.
“The K-State applied swine nutrition team has influenced nearly every corner of the pork industry,” said Justin Janssen, LMIC board president. “They’ve advanced science, mentored future leaders and improved profitability and sustainability for producers. The LMIC is honored to recognize them with the Don L. Good Impact Award.”
More information, along with registration for the Oct. 18 K-State ASI Family & Friends Reunion, will be available online at www.asi.k-state.edu/familyandfriends, and the reunion’s social media channels.
We’re missing the energy of students around Weber and Call Hall, but this episode brings it all back. Join us for a behind-the-scenes conversation with Avery Eckhoff & Weston Schrader the student who helped launch the podcast. From standout stories to favorite moments, they reflects on what it took to bring Voices of #KSUASI to life.
Tune in now for a look back at a year filled with legacy, laughter and student-led storytelling. Listen now: https://bit.ly/4jwp3Xk
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Unclassified Staff Position(s):
University Support Staff Position(s):
None at this time.
Department Student Employment Position(s):
https://www.asi.k-state.edu/studentsuccess/student_employment/
If you are interested in adding a job to this page, please email Emily Grund.
UPCOMING EVENTS:
Facebook: @ksuasi
X: @KSUASI
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ksuasi/
June 2-4 – Champions Livestock Judging Camp
June 3-5 – HACCP Workshop – Manhattan, KS
June 9-11 – Champions Livestock Judging Camp
June 9-12 – Beef Improvement Federation – Amarillo, TX
June 11-14 – K-State Animal Science Leadership Academy – Manhattan, KS
July 11-12 – Dr. Bob Hines Kansas Swine Classic – CiCo Park, Manhattan, KS
September 25 – Beef Stocker Field Day – Manhattan, KS
September 26-27 – Celebrate Agriculture Day – Manhattan, KS
October 18 – ASI Family & Friends Reunion – Manhattan, KS
To submit information for future updates, visit https://forms.gle/iuH4eCKt4hCxCgDU8
New Member of #KSUASI Family: Congratulations to the Crabtree Family! Porter Joseph Crabtree arrived May 13th. He is 7lbs, 11 oz. and 20.5 inches long. Mom and Dad report everyone is doing well!
Temporary closures of Claflin and Old Claflin roads – This summer, portions of Claflin and Old Claflin roads will temporarily be closed due to construction activities for the new Global Center for Grain and Food Innovation and the Strong Complex renovation project. These closures will affect all forms of transportation, including pedestrian, and access to surrounding buildings.
Unclassified Staff Position(s):
University Support Staff Position(s):
None at this time.
Department Student Employment Position(s):
https://www.asi.k-state.edu/studentsuccess/student_employment/
If you are interested in adding a job to this page, please email Emily Grund.
The Kansas State University Department of Animal Sciences and Industry (ASI) is proud to announce seven students as the 2024–25 ASI Outstanding Seniors. This newly introduced award honors graduating seniors who have demonstrated excellence in academics, industry engagement, leadership and service to the department. It complements the existing Don and Jane Good Outstanding Senior Award by recognizing a broader range of student achievements.
Created to recognize students whose achievements reflect the wide range of opportunities within the animal sciences field, the award highlights individuals who have made a meaningful impact on the department and who show strong potential for continued leadership in the industry.
“These students represent the diverse opportunities within our department and the dedication it takes to make the most of them,” said Dr. Mike Day, ASI department head. “We are proud of the impact they’ve made during their time at K-State and confident that they will continue to contribute meaningfully to the future of animal agriculture.”
The 2024–25 ASI Outstanding Seniors are:
Grace Fike – Westmoreland, Kansas
Fike built a strong foundation in animal science through academic involvement, industry internships, and leadership experiences. She served as the office assistant for the ASI event coordinator and participated in undergraduate research with K-State and the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association. She was a member of the Meat Judging Team, ASI Mentors, Gamma Phi Beta and St. Isidore’s Catholic Church. Fike interned with Schwartz Farms Swine Production and Merck Animal Health. After graduation, she will begin her career with Cargill on the diet formulation team.
August Hulse – Culver, Kansas
Hulse gained hands-on experience at the K-State Meat Lab and Booth Creek Wagyu, where he developed a strong interest in beef processing. He was a member of the 2024 national champion Meat Judging Team, as well as the Meat Animal Evaluation Team, Wool Judging Team, and Meat Science Quiz Bowl Team. He also served as an Ag Ambassador, Kansas Farm Bureau Collegiate Fellow, and student senator. After graduation, he plans to continue his work with Booth Creek Wagyu.
Meghan Garren – Penn Valley, California
Garren brings a diverse range of experiences, including veterinary internships at Northern Hills Clinic, Red Lodge Clinic, and Big Hollow Hospital. She served as an undergraduate research assistant for the K-State Swine Nutrition Team. Garren was active on campus as an ASI Mentor, a member of the Pre-Vet Club, and the founder and president of the K-State Country Dancing Club. Upon graduation, she plans to pursue a career in veterinary medicine.
Ava Perrier – Eureka, Kansas
Perrier pursued hands-on opportunities in the beef industry, including internships and leadership roles. At K-State, she participated on the Collegiate Meat Science Quiz Bowl Team, the national champion Meat Animal Evaluation Team, and the Meat Judging Team. She was an active member of ASI Mentors, Sigma Kappa sorority and the K-State Student Alumni Board. She completed internships with Cargill Animal Nutrition, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, and the American Gelbvieh Association. After graduation, she will join Cargill Animal Nutrition as a management associate.
Samantha Schwindt – Hillsboro, Kansas
Schwindt focused her undergraduate career on biosciences, completing the National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility Laboratorian Training Program and working as a student lab assistant in the Biosecurity Research Institute. She was involved in ASI Mentors, Dairy Science Club, Dairy Judging Team, Cultivating Change, and served as a student fellow with the Center for Risk Management. Following graduation, she plans to pursue a career in biosciences and continue serving the animal agriculture industry.
Lauren Thompson – Woodville, Wisconsin
Thompson engaged in experiential learning within the livestock industry, gaining practical experience through internships and involvement in academic and leadership programs. She competed on the Meat Animal Evaluation Team, Meat Judging Team, Wool Judging Team, and Meat Science Quiz Bowl Team. She served as the Kansas Youth Livestock Program intern and held leadership roles as president of Blue Key Senior Honorary, president of the College of Agriculture Ambassadors, ASI Mentors, and Student Foundation. She will continue her education at K-State, pursuing a master’s degree in small ruminant immunology.
Katrina Turner – Derby, Kansas
Turner was selected as the Don and Jane Good Outstanding Senior. During her time in the department, she was a member of the champion Academic Quadrathlon Team, national champion Meat Judging Team, Meat Science Quiz Bowl Team, and Wool Judging Team. She was actively involved in Block and Bridle and served as an Ag Ambassador. Turner gained hands-on experience working in the K-State Meat Muscle Biology Lab and at the Sheep & Meat Goat Center. She also completed an internship with the U.S. Meat Animal Research Center in Clay Center, Nebraska. After graduation, she will begin graduate studies at Texas A&M University as a graduate assistant on the Resilient Rancher Project.
https://www.asi.k-state.edu/about/news/25_OutstandingSeniors.html
Weston Schrader Kenedy DeVoe Cambell Corini Taylynne Charf Katrina Turner Kellum Carnahan Paige Soper
Kansas State University Department of Animal Sciences and Industry (ASI) graduate students Jessica Smallfield and Abigail Jenkins have been named 2025 recipients of the Larry Corah Graduate Student Award.
Smallfield received the Outstanding Master’s Student Award, which includes a $1,000 scholarship. She joined the K-State Applied Swine Nutrition Team in August 2023 after earning her bachelor’s degree at K-State. Despite having a limited agricultural background, she quickly immersed herself in the livestock industry. During her master’s program, she led six research projects involving more than 12,500 pigs, evaluating specialty soy proteins, hydrolyzed yeast products, and novel digestible lysine-to-crude protein ratios. Smallfield also played a key leadership role in developing and supporting research at the new Swine Enteric Health Research Center. Jessica’s first exposure to swine research was through the department’s undergraduate research class. Now as a teaching assistant for the class she helps students conduct swine research projects and gets the chance to provide others with the same exposure and opportunities she had as an undergrad. Additionally, she has presented her research findings and competed at the University’s 3-Minute Thesis, and KGRAD programs as well as the ASI Research Day. She manages the Swine Team’s monthly newsletter, LinkedIn presence, and is an active member of the ASI Graduate Student Association. As she enters her Ph.D. program, she will serve as a National Pork Board Scholar.
“Jessica truly is an excellent example of what Dr. Corah had in mind when he established this award—encompassing academics, quality research, service to others, and contributing positively to the mission of the ASI department,” said Dr. Bob Goodband, K-State ASI professor and one of Smallfield’s advisors. “Her commitment to advancing swine nutrition research, mentoring undergraduate students and representing our department with excellence sets her apart. I have no doubt she will continue to make meaningful contributions to the industry.”
Jenkins received the Outstanding Ph.D. Student Award, which includes a $1,500 scholarship. She joined the K-State Applied Swine Nutrition Team in June 2022, following completion of her master’s degree at North Carolina State University and bachelor’s degree at Mississippi State University. Her work has included nine research trials involving more than 2,100 sows and 36,000 pigs, addressing topics ranging from improving data collection accuracy to defining amino acid requirements for sows in late gestation and lactation.
The cornerstone of her research was a large-scale commercial study in partnership with JBS Live Pork, which has already led to changes in litter management practices throughout the swine industry. She has presented her findings at industry meetings, K-State Swine Day, the Midwest ASAS meetings, and through the Pig Livability project. In addition to her own research, Jenkins has played a key role in supporting and coordinating research with industry partners, mentoring fellow graduate students, and assisting with data collection and analysis. Her teaching contributions include assisting with courses such as Farm Animal Reproduction, Principles of Feeding, and Swine Science. She has been active in the Graduate Student Association, supported departmental youth outreach events, and earned recognition at both local and national levels for her leadership, scholarship, and service. Like Smallfield, Jenkins was also selected as a National Pork Board Scholar.
“Abigail embodies the land-grant mission through her commitment to research, teaching and service that directly benefits the swine industry and our students,” said Dr. Jason Woodworth, K-State ASI research professor and one of Jenkins’ advisors. “Her ability to conduct impactful, industry-driven research while also mentoring students and supporting outreach efforts exemplifies the type of leader our program strives to develop. She is a tremendous ambassador for our department and epitomizes what the Corah Outstanding Ph.D. Student Award was designed to recognize.”
Both the M.S and Ph.D. awards are presented in honor of Dr. Larry Corah, who served for 25 years as a K-State ASI beef extension and research specialist. After retiring from K-State, he worked for the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association as director of production systems and later served 17 years as Vice President of Supply for Certified Angus Beef LLC. The scholarships are supported by the Larry Corah Graduate Student Enhancement Fund. Award winners are selected based on scholastic achievement, research activity and success, teaching contributions, faculty evaluations, and overall contributions to the department’s mission.